The Forum represented a unique opportunity for Santex Rimar Group to join and promote a strategic initiative: for the first time an Italian machine manufacturer has gathered some of the most important players to explore the future growth of the textile industry.

Chinese cotton imports reached an all-time low in September, as large domestic inventories reduced reliance on foreign supplies, at a time when economic slowdown is weighing on demand. China imported just 50,900 tonnes of cotton in September, a decline of 59 per cent YoY. This is the lowest monthly import since records began in 2005, and the second month of record low imports in a row.

At the end of 2013-14, international cotton prices were around 80 cents and have continued falling in the first two months of the new season. Given the predicted 1.8 million tonnes of surplus cotton production and changes in China´s cotton policy, prices are unlikely to rise to the levels seen in the last two seasons.

At the end of 2013/14, international cotton prices were around 80 US cents/lb and have continued falling in the first two months of the new season. Given the predicted 1.8 million tons of surplus cotton production and changes in China's cotton policy,